The Story of Thuli Madonsela: No Longer Whispering to Power in South Africa
No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela Book Pdf
If you are looking for a book that will inspire you, challenge you, and inform you about one of the most remarkable figures in South African history, then you should read No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela by Thandeka Gqubule. This book is a biography of Thuli Madonsela, who served as the Public Protector of South Africa from 2009 to 2016. In this role, she exposed some of the most shocking cases of corruption, abuse of power, and maladministration in the country. She also faced fierce resistance and criticism from those who wanted to silence her. In this article, we will give you an overview of what this book is about, why it is important, and how you can get a copy of it.
No Longer Whispering To Power: The Story Of Thuli Madonsela Book Pdf
Who is Thuli Madonsela?
Thuli Madonsela was born in 1962 in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg that was at the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle. She grew up in a poor but loving family that instilled in her a sense of justice and dignity. She became involved in student politics at an early age and joined the African National Congress (ANC), the liberation movement that fought against apartheid. She was arrested and detained several times for her activism. She studied law at Wits University and became one of the drafters of South Africa's democratic constitution in 1996. She worked as a human rights lawyer, a policy analyst, and a law professor before being appointed as the Public Protector by President Jacob Zuma in 2009.
What is the role of the Public Protector?
The Public Protector is an independent institution that was established by the constitution to protect and promote democracy in South Africa. The Public Protector has the power to investigate any conduct in state affairs that is alleged or suspected to be improper or unlawful. The Public Protector can also take appropriate remedial action to address such conduct and report on it to Parliament and the public. The Public Protector is accountable only to the constitution and the law, not to any political party or authority.
Why is Thuli Madonsela's work important?
During her seven-year tenure as the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela handled over 25 000 complaints from ordinary citizens who felt that they had been wronged by state officials or institutions. She also investigated some of the most high-profile and controversial cases that involved senior politicians, government departments, state-owned enterprises, and private companies. Some of her most notable reports include:
Secure in Comfort: This report revealed that President Jacob Zuma had unduly benefited from non-security upgrades worth R246 million at his private home in Nkandla. The report found that Zuma had breached his oath of office and violated his constitutional obligations. The report ordered Zuma to pay back a reasonable portion of the money spent on his home.
State Capture: This report exposed how a wealthy family known as the Guptas had used their close relationship with Zuma and other influential politicians to influence state appointments, contracts, decisions, and policies. The report found evidence of possible corruption, fraud, racketeering, and money laundering involving several ministers, directors-general, board members, CEOs, and other officials. The report recommended that a judicial commission of inquiry be established to further investigate these allegations.
Derailed: This report uncovered how billions of rands were wasted or stolen at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) through irregular tenders, contracts, payments, and procurements. The report found that PRASA had failed to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable public transport services to millions of commuters. The report directed PRASA to take disciplinary action against those responsible for maladministration and corruption.
How did Thuli Madonsela face resistance and criticism?
Thuli Madonsela's work as the Public Protector was not easy or popular. She faced constant resistance and criticism from those who felt threatened by her investigations or disagreed with her findings. Some of the challenges she faced included:
Lack of cooperation: Many state officials or institutions refused or delayed to provide information or documents that she requested for her investigations. Some also failed or refused to implement her remedial actions or recommendations.
Legal challenges: Many state officials or institutions challenged her reports or decisions in court. Some also tried to interdict or stop her from releasing her reports or conducting her investigations.
Personal attacks: Many state officials or institutions attacked her personally or professionally. They accused her of being biased, incompetent, dishonest, or influenced by external forces. They also questioned her integrity, credibility, or legitimacy.
Media smear campaigns: Many state officials or institutions used their media allies or platforms to spread false or misleading information about her work or character. They also tried to discredit her reports or findings by leaking selective or distorted information.
Security threats: Many state officials or institutions posed physical or psychological threats to her safety or well-being. They also harassed or intimidated her staff members or witnesses.
What is the main message of the book?
The main message Here is the continuation of the article. What is the main message of the book?
The main message of the book is that Thuli Madonsela's work as the Public Protector was not only a legal or technical exercise, but also a moral and ethical one. She was guided by her values and principles, such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect for human dignity. She was motivated by her vision of a democratic and accountable South Africa, where the rule of law prevails and the people's rights are protected. She was inspired by her faith and spirituality, which gave her strength and courage to face adversity. She was also influenced by her cultural heritage and identity, which shaped her worldview and perspective.
How does Thuli Madonsela use the metaphor of the Makhadzi?
One of the most striking aspects of the book is how Thuli Madonsela uses the metaphor of the Makhadzi to describe her role as the Public Protector. The Makhadzi is a traditional female leader among the Venda people, who acts as a mediator and advisor to the king. She has no formal power or authority, but she has influence and respect. She speaks truth to power, even if it is unpleasant or unpopular. She also listens to the people's grievances and brings them to the attention of the king. She is a guardian of justice and a voice of reason.
Thuli Madonsela says that she saw herself as a Makhadzi for South Africa, who had to whisper truth to power on behalf of the people. She had to hold the state accountable for its actions and decisions, even if it meant challenging or confronting those in high positions. She also had to serve the public interest and uphold the constitution, even if it meant facing hostility or opposition. She was a watchdog and a whistleblower, who exposed wrongdoing and demanded remedial action.
How does Thuli Madonsela inspire hope and courage?
Another important message of the book is that Thuli Madonsela's work as the Public Protector inspired hope and courage among many South Africans, who felt disillusioned or disempowered by the state of affairs in their country. She showed them that it was possible to stand up for what is right, even against overwhelming odds. She showed them that it was possible to make a difference, even with limited resources. She showed them that it was possible to be ethical, even in a corrupt environment. She showed them that it was possible to be brave, even in the face of danger.
Thuli Madonsela also inspired hope and courage among many young people, especially women and girls, who saw her as a role model and a mentor. She encouraged them to pursue their dreams and aspirations, regardless of their background or circumstances. She empowered them to speak their truth and claim their space, regardless of their gender or race. She taught them to be leaders and agents of change, regardless of their age or status.
How does Thuli Madonsela challenge us to do better?
The final message of the book is that Thuli Madonsela's work as the Public Protector challenged us to do better as individuals, as a society, and as a nation. She challenged us to be more honest, more accountable, more responsible, and more respectful in our dealings with others. She challenged us to be more informed, more engaged, more active, and more critical in our participation in democracy. She challenged us to be more compassionate, more inclusive, more diverse, and more tolerant in our relations with others. She challenged us to be more ethical, more moral, more principled, and more dignified in our conduct.
Thuli Madonsela also challenged us to do better by reminding us of our potential and our promise as South Africans. She reminded us of our history and our struggle for freedom and justice. She reminded us of our constitution and our values. She reminded us of our vision and our goals. She reminded us of our duty and our obligation to ourselves and others.
How can you get a copy of the book?
If you are interested in reading this book and learning more about Thuli Madonsela's story, you have several options to get a copy of it. You can either download a pdf version of the book online or buy a physical copy from various sources.
Where can you download a pdf version of the book?
If you prefer to read a pdf version of the book on your computer or mobile device, you can find some websites that offer a free or paid pdf download of the book. Here are some examples:
PDF Drive: This website offers a free pdf download of the book with no registration required.
eBook3000: This website offers a free pdf download of the book with no registration required.
eBooks.com: This website offers a paid pdf download of the book with registration required.
Google Play Books: This website offers a paid pdf download of the book with registration required.
Where can you buy a physical copy of the book?
If you prefer to read a physical copy of the book on paper, you can find some online and offline retailers that sell Here is the continuation of the article. the book. Here are some examples:
Amazon.com: This online retailer offers a paperback version of the book with free shipping for Prime members.
Barnes & Noble: This online retailer offers a paperback version of the book with free shipping for orders over $35.
Book Depository: This online retailer offers a paperback version of the book with free worldwide delivery.
Loot.co.za: This online retailer offers a paperback version of the book with delivery within South Africa.
Exclusive Books: This offline retailer has physical stores across South Africa where you can buy a paperback version of the book.
Conclusion
No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela by Thandeka Gqubule is a book that tells the remarkable story of one of South Africa's most influential and respected figures. It is a book that reveals the challenges and achievements of Thuli Madonsela as the Public Protector, who exposed corruption and defended democracy. It is a book that explores the values and principles that guided Thuli Madonsela's work, such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect. It is a book that inspires hope and courage among those who want to make a difference in their society. It is a book that challenges us to do better as individuals, as a society, and as a nation.
If you want to read this book and learn more about Thuli Madonsela's story, you can download a pdf version of the book online or buy a physical copy from various sources. We hope that this article has given you an overview of what this book is about, why it is important, and how you can get a copy of it. We also hope that this book will motivate you to read more books that educate, enlighten, and empower you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the book:
Who is Thandeka Gqubule? Thandeka Gqubule is a veteran journalist who has worked in the media for nearly three decades. She is one of the 'SABC 8' who were fired and rehired by the broadcaster for speaking out against censorship. She has followed the story of Thuli Madonsela with great dedication and passion.
When was the book published? The book was published in May 2017 by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
How long is the book? The book has 268 pages.
What are some of the reviews of the book? The book has received mostly positive reviews from critics and readers. Some of the praise for the book includes:
"A gripping account of Advocate Thuli Madonsela's life and time as South Africa's public protector. Thandeka Gqubule has done outstanding work in helping us understand Madonsela's work and contribution." - Redi Tlhabi, journalist and author
"This biography will restore your faith in state institutions - at least those headed by people with integrity." - City Press
"A must-read for all who care about South Africa's future." - Mandy Wiener, journalist and author
Where can I find more information about Thuli Madonsela? You can find more information about Thuli Madonsela on her Twitter account, her Facebook page, or her foundation website.